Locarno Film Festival 2024 Closes with Record Attendance, Setting a New Course

19 August 2024 | Source
The 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland closed successfully, with a 3.5% increase in audience numbers and record-breaking digital engagement. Notable awards included the Pardo d’Oro for "Akiplėša" by Saulė Bliuvaitė. The festival also saw enhanced participation in initiatives for emerging talents, setting a new strategic direction for future editions.

The 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, one of Switzerland's most prestigious cultural events, concluded on August 17, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the festival's history. Locarno77 not only demonstrated the festival's enduring appeal but also signaled a new strategic direction aimed at growth and innovation in the years ahead.

Audience numbers surged across the board, with a total of 152,000 attendees, a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year. This included 90,000 attendees at various festival venues and 62,000 in Piazza Grande alone. The rise in festival pass purchases, particularly among students (up 7%), and a 6.5% increase in professional accreditations highlighted the festival's growing influence among both general and professional audiences.

The award ceremony saw the Lithuanian drama "Akiplėša (Toxic)," directed by first-time filmmaker Saulė Bliuvaitė, win the coveted Pardo d’Oro in the Concorso Internazionale. Other notable awards included the Prix du Public UBS for "Reinas" by Klaudia Reynicke and the Letterboxd Piazza Grande Award for "Gaucho Gaucho" by Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw.

The festival's commitment to nurturing emerging talent was evident through various initiatives. Programs like Locarno Kids la Mobiliare, Atelier du Futur, and the Locarno Academy provided platforms for young filmmakers, artists, and critics to engage with the global film community. The Rotonda by la Mobiliare also drew in 115,000 participants, offering a vibrant space for entertainment and discussion, a 9.5% increase from the previous year.

Locarno77 also saw remarkable success on digital platforms. The festival’s new strategy to enhance its digital presence resulted in a 265% increase in YouTube views and a 105% rise in subscribers. Instagram engagement also saw significant growth, reaching over 7.1 million people during the festival.

Festival President Maja Hoffmann expressed pride in the event's success, emphasizing the importance of diversity and risk-taking in shaping the future of global cinema. Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro echoed these sentiments, highlighting the festival's role as a beacon of creativity and hope. Managing Director Raphaël Brunschwig thanked all partners and attendees for their contribution to the festival's success, underscoring the collective effort behind Locarno77’s achievements.

As Locarno77 closes, preparations are already underway for the 78th edition, scheduled for August 6-16, 2025. The festival's leadership is optimistic about the future, confident that Locarno will continue to be a leading platform for cinematic innovation and global cultural exchange.

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